When I used to say to my older friends that I’d soon be 65 and couldn’t wait to retire, they’d give me a knowing look and say “Wait and see,” and I had no idea what they meant. Now that I’m a few years past that mark, I understand that there are a multitude of issues to be dealt with as one gets older.

These include finances, health, home repairs, housing, shopping and mobility. There are legal questions from time to time and questions about taxes. Where does one turn for help that won’t be provided at an exorbitant cost and in a confidential manner that doesn’t embarrass?

A couple of years ago, I was curious about food stamps and if I might qualify; the Advocate I talked with had all the information I needed and even provided several charts of income variations so I could easily determine if this was a program I might be able to use. On that day in Windham, there were four other seniors who also had appointments and their questions were about Social Security, living wills and other senior-specific issues.

For both senior citizen and family member alike, advancing age should not be a barrier to a lifestyle of independence and comfort.

From their Web site on the Internet, Southern Maine Agency on Aging provides the following information on their Elder Advocate service.

The dedicated staff members and volunteers of the Agency on Aging recognize that more and more people will be living well into their senior years and should be able to do so with dignity and independence. Often they simply need information and assistance.

For more than 25 years, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, a private, nonprofit corporation, has been meeting the needs of seniors and their families for personal assistance through information and guidance.

The Southern Maine Agency on Aging offers a wide range of programs designed to foster independence, reduce the burden on family and caregivers, and promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

Each year SMAA receives thousands of calls for information and assistance.

One of their skilled Elder Advocates all licensed social workers, can talk with you on the phone or in person to discuss your needs and provide you with necessary information, advice and referrals.

The Elder Advocates of SMAA can be reached by phone each business day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (207) 396-6500 or in state toll free, (800) 427-7411, TTY: 883-0532.

If you prefer a face-to-face visit you can call and schedule an office appointment. They can answer questions you might have about a wide range of issues such as housing options, home care resources, finances, nutrition and health insurance.

Sometimes, needs cannot be met with one phone call. For these situations, SMAA can assign an Elder Advocate to work with you personally and provide Outreach and Advocacy services in the home, to help connect you and keep you connected with needed programs.

In Windham, the Elder Advocate is available at the Senior Meal Site at Unity Gardens on Tandberg Trail in North Windham. Appointments can be made to visit the Advocate at the Meal Site, by calling Virginia Billings at 892-3891.